Google Pixel 7a

Google has failed to keep the Pixel 7a secret from us. Virtually everything about the midrange phone has already leaked, from photos to specifications, from pricing to colors. And even Google is no longer trying to keep it a secret, as evidenced by the tweet below.

Google India does not mention the Pixel Fold. That device is also expected on May 11 and is reportedly Google's first foldable. So it is not inconceivable that this tweet is meant to divert attention for a "One More Thing" moment.

Possible last Pixel A

In recent days, the rumor also resurfaced that the 7a might be Google's last Pixel A phone. However, with the expected price increase of the 7a, the price is so close to the Pixel 7 that there is no longer a reason for it to exist.

At least that's what insider Yogesh Brar thinks. Google would therefore advertise for next year the Pixel 8 as an entry-level device, the Pixel 8 Pro as a high-end flagship, and the Fold to try out new technologies.

It is likely to be the Coral version. Google used this name before for Pixel phones. For example, Pixel 6 also came out with a similar color, then in a two-tone edition. Since the Pixel 7, Google applies only one color on the back, and so the "Kinda Coral" becomes "Coral."

We're not quite sure yet whether it's orange or pink. Besides this coral color, the Google Pixel 7a is likely to come out in more colors, including blue, silver, and gray. It was previously revealed that the 7a would get a 6.1-inch screen with FHD+ resolution, 64MP Duo Camera, and a Tensor G2 processor with 6GB of RAM. There are still some ambiguities about its price. It may be higher than in previous years, perhaps even more than 500 euros.

Google I/O

It is generally believed that Google will announce the Pixel 7a during its upcoming Google I/O event. That annual event starts May 10th, 2023, and kicks off with a keynote. Perhaps then Google will also show the Pixel Fold, Google's first foldable Pixel phone.

The report comes from Jon Prosser. This YouTuber has shared accurate information about Google products with us before, so our ears are perked. This time the story involves the entry-level Google Pixel 7a and the foldable Google Pixel Fold.

This time, Prosser believes he knows when the entry-level 7a will be announced. These rumors have been going around for some time, so nothing surprising. May 10 is when it should happen, simultaneously with the start of Google I/O. The device will be available immediately after its announcement in Charcoal, Snow, Sea, and Coral colors. Price of the device? In all likelihood, it will be $499.

Expensive Pixel Fold

And then the Pixel Fold. It, too, will see the light of day on May 10. Although the device can be ordered as a preorder immediately after it is announced, it will take until June 27 before delivery starts. The likely price is $1,799, according to Prosser. That's hefty but in line with the price of the Samsung Fold4 when it came out.

Pixel 6a remains

Interestingly, Prosser reports that the Google Pixel 6a will remain in the lineup. So it may receive a price cut. Although, in the meantime, it already boasts a significantly lower retail price compared to when it came out. 349 euros versus 460 euros.

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The image shown here comes from @onleaks, who published it on the blog of MySmartPrice. This more affordable alternative of the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro is expected soon.

In addition to blue, the Pixel 7a is also expected to come in white and gray. What names Google gives those are still unknown. As is customary, the color will also be incorporated into the camera bar characteristic of recent Pixel phones. If other rumors are true, the Pixel 7a will get a dual camera system with an ultra-wide-angle camera.

New source?

Interestingly, the images now shared with us by @onleaks appear to be an official render. Usually, the Frenchman is known for his early renders of factory drawings that he commissions. However, this time that does not seem to be the case. So perhaps Steve Hemmerstoffer, as @onleaks goes in real life, has a new source.

The photos below don't tell us much new; we already know almost everything about the Pixel 7a. For example, we already know the specs, its appearance has been known for months, and even photos of the device recently surfaced. The images below from the auction on eBay are lovely, but they don't tell us anything new, either.

And to think that Google may not announce the Pixel 7a until May 10. At the time of writing, that's just under two months away. Let's hope most of us are willing to wait that long. By then, consumers will already be looking forward to the Google Pixel 8. While that one is in a different price range, the first rumors of it are already pouring in.

Solid asking price

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Lets discuss the Google Pixel 7a first. An unknown person from Athens has put a prototype for sale on eBay, an online auction platform. The asking price is $1,650, which considering the expected recommended retail price of the 7a, is pretty steep.

That didn't stop people from placing bids. The bidding stopped at 2250 before the auction ended, according to 9to5Google. Whether eBay halted the auction or the device was sold, we don't know. Should the latter be the case, we hope he didn't miss the phrase "that the SIM card slot is missing." Pretty essential with a phone if you ask us.

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If the rumors are to be believed, the Pixel 7a is a low-cost version of the Pixel 7 but with a 6.1-inch large FHD+ display with 90Hz playback, 64MP primary camera with 12MP ultra-wide angle, Tensor G2 processor and of course running under Android.

New this year is wireless charging, which is limited to a 5W maximum. That's not particularly fast, but it is a nice feature to have. The Pixel 7a, like its bigger brothers, uses a Tensor chipset, suggesting we'll find many of the same camera features. Think of Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. These allow you to remove unwanted objects from photos and improve blurred images.

Google I/O 2023

The Google Pixel 7a has been mentioned in the rumor circuit for some time. That could mean that an announcement is imminent. Coincidentally, Google announced an event not long ago. The event is Google I/O, which kicks off on May 10. So it is not inconceivable that Google will announce the Pixel 7a then.

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It was our most significant criticism of the Google Pixel 6a; its sluggish 60Hz display. By refreshing images 60 times per second, animations look stuttery. But, on the other hand, everything higher than 60 looks much smoother. And so we are pleased to learn that the Pixel 7a gets a refresh rate of 90Hz, just like the Pixel 7.

Google uses its Pixel A series for midrange models, and we have seen in recent years other manufacturers have also equipped their midrange phones with smoother 90Hz screens. This proved to be more than a nice-to-have feature; it just looks much more modern. However, the video demonstrates something entirely else—some giant screen bezels.

Nominable screen bezels

Now the Pixel 6a also features noteworthy screen bezels, but on the 7a, they do seem to be even more significant. Whether they are more considerable remains to be seen. For now, it is unclear when Google will officially unveil the device. The most obvious time for this is Google I/O. This event is not expected until sometime around May 2023.

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Looking at the renders below, it becomes clear that Google has not made things difficult for itself. The design of the Pixel 7a is very similar to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. But we also see similarities with the Pixel 6a, and therefore it looks like the perfect candidate to succeed exactly that.

The camera bar that Google applies has an aluminum color and includes at least two cameras. Presumably, a primary camera and camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens. Earlier rumors discussed a screen with a smooth 90Hz display, an improved camera, and the new Google Tensor G2 processor. New this year is presumably wireless charging capability for the Pixel 7a.

Pixel 7a announcement

Google announced the Pixel 6a in May 2022. At the time of writing, that is not that long ago. Therefore, it remains to be seen how long it will be until we find the Google Pixel 7a in stores. The source estimates early 2023, but we guess that it could take even longer.

Since the third generation of Pixel phones, Google has been bringing us a Pixel A model. A model with excellent camera features but at a slightly lower price. Again this year, an A version of the Pixel 7 appears to be coming out. However, the timing seems a bit odd because the Pixel 6a was announced in May 2022, six months ago at the time of writing.

So it looks like the Google Pixel 7a won't be released until sometime in 2023. However, according to reports from developer Kuba Wojciechowski, the device will get a higher screen refresh rate of 90Hz. At least, that's how it appears after digging through some drivers whose source code Google released. The previous Pixel A model still only had 60Hz.

Wireless charging

Google is using a Sony IMX787 and IMX712 camera sensor on the back. That first sensor is a significant update of the currently used IMX363. Both cameras feature a wide-angle lens, meaning a separate zoom lens is still missing. Kuba further notes that the Pixel 7a features wireless charging, though it is limited to only 5W.

Google is further likely to equip its Tensor processor. This self-developed processor powers all current Pixel phones. This allows Google to optimize and offer specific features exclusively. Think Magic Eraser and Motion Mode. Whether the Google Pixel 7a will also have these features remains to be seen.

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